When not running the hotel or becoming entangled in her daughters’ lives, Kate is at odds with Homer Bedloe (Charles Lane), the vice-president of the C.&F.W. Railroad. Bedlow is intent on closing down the sole steam-engine train to Hooterville and putting its staff out of work; engineer Charley Pratt (Smiley Burnette) and conductor Floyd Smoot (Rufe Davis).

Later in the series, handsome crop duster Steve Elliott (Mike Minor) marries Betty Jo and the two have a baby together.

Towards the end of the series, when Kate is away (Benaderet became ill and later died), her sister Helen (Rosemary DeCamp) briefly helps run the hotel. Later, Dr. Janet Craig (June Lockhart) comes to town to take over for retiring Doc Stuart and stays at the hotel. She helps counsel the girls from time to time.

The series is a spin-off of The Beverly Hillbillies and spawned Green Acres (which also takes place in Hooterville). Characters from each of the three shows appeared on the others. Amiable general store owner Sam Drucker (Frank Cady) is often seen on both Acres and Junction.

dear tv land please bring back petticoat junction 2 tv land an day r other shows dat my family would love 2 c like my three sons green acres mister ed bevrly hillbillies hazel gilligans island the facts of life family affair but most of all we love 2 c petticoat junction put back on but all d showns would b nice 2 set down an watch as a family……..thanks 4 take d time 2 look at dis again thank uall 4 let people have their said on what day would like 2 watch as a family……thank u veary much